Phu Quoc: Speedboat Tour of 4 Islands with Snorkeling & BBQ

The best part of this Phu Quoc outing is its focus: snorkeling rather than shopping stops or staged attractions. You speed across the southern islands in a small group, visit two snorkeling sites, and finish with a proper seafood BBQ on the mainland. I like the limited group size, often around 13 people, and I like that the lunch is served at a restaurant rather than prepared at a crowded island stop.

The guides also make a difference. Windy is frequently praised for being funny, attentive, and good with families, while Ben, Hugo, and other Pacific Boat guides have earned similar approval. The main drawback is that the islands are not always quiet or spotless. Some beaches can be crowded, and one stop has extra charges for beach chairs and bathrooms.

Key points to know before booking

• Two real snorkeling sessions: Kim Quy and Buom Islands are the main water stops, with clear water, coral, and plenty of small fish.
• Small-group speedboat: Groups can be as small as 13 people, a more comfortable setup than boats carrying 35 to 40.
• Mainland seafood BBQ: Lunch takes place at a restaurant in the Duong Dong area, where food hygiene is easier to manage than at a basic island eatery.
• Guide quality matters: Windy, Ben, and Hugo have been singled out for humor, care, and clear communication.
• The route can change: Weather may send the boat to May Rut Ngoai or Gham Ghi Island, and rough conditions can cancel the trip.
• Bring practical beach gear: Pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimwear, and dry clothes.

Why this tour works better for snorkelers than sightseers

Phu Quoc has plenty of boat trips, but they are not all built for the same kind of day. Some focus on taking group photos, shopping, or visiting heavily developed attractions. This one puts most of its energy into time on the water and a relaxed meal afterward.

That difference matters. A small speedboat gets you between the southern islands quickly, and a smaller group means less waiting when you board, change gear, or return to the boat. You are still joining an organized excursion, not chartering a private boat, but the day should feel less like a floating bus tour.

The tour costs $56 per person. That includes hotel pickup and drop-off in covered areas, the boat, an English or Vietnamese-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, entrance fees, bottled water, fruit, a beer, soft drink, or soda, and the seafood BBQ. For a six-hour outing with transport and lunch included, I consider that a fair price, especially if you want a simple way to reach the southern islands without arranging your own boat.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors and families who want the whole day handled. If you already have a private boat, your own mask and fins, and a favorite seafood restaurant, you may prefer to plan independently. For most people, though, the combination of transport, equipment, food, and guiding removes a lot of small decisions.

Hotel pickup and the run to the southern islands

Pickup begins around 8:30 a.m. The company collects people from hotels in central Phu Quoc, the Long Beach area, and the southern part of the island. Hotels in Ong Lang, Vinpearl, and Ham Ninh may require a surcharge, so check the pickup terms before paying.

The vehicle takes you toward the harbor, where you board the speedboat. The transfer is part of the appeal. You do not need to find a pier, negotiate with a boat operator, or work out which island route fits the weather.

The speedboat ride is quick and generally comfortable, though it can feel brisk on open water. Keep your hat and loose belongings secure. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and some fruit are provided, but you should still arrive with sunscreen already applied.

The exact schedule can shift. Weather affects the route, and the boat may use May Rut Ngoai or Gham Ghi for the beach stop depending on sea conditions. That flexibility is sensible, since island trips are much better when the crew responds to the water rather than forcing a fixed plan.

Kim Quy Island: the first hour in the water

Kim Quy, also called Golden Turtle Island, is usually the first stop. You get up to an hour here for snorkeling, which gives you enough time to adjust to the mask, get comfortable in the water, and look around without feeling hurried.

This is often described as one of the strongest parts of the trip. The water can be clear, and you might see coral and groups of fish close to the boat. Guides may offer small pieces of bread for feeding the fish, creating a memorable moment as fish gather around you.

The fish-feeding activity is fun, but use common sense. Listen to the guide, stay within the marked or explained area, and do not handle coral. Your guide can also help you with the mask and point out where to look, which is useful if this is your first time snorkeling.

The tour supplies snorkeling equipment, but fit can vary from person to person. If you own a mask that fits well, bringing it is reasonable, though the supplied equipment is part of the package. A towel and change of clothes are especially useful after this first swim.

May Rut Ngoai or Gham Ghi: a beach break with a weather caveat

The next stop is normally May Rut Ngoai Island, although the route may change to Gham Ghi Island. This is the less structured part of the day. You can swim, walk on the beach, or simply sit in the sun before the next water stop.

May Rut Ngoai offers the kind of pause that keeps the trip from becoming one long equipment change. After snorkeling, you may want to dry off, take photos, or do very little. The timing gives you room to enjoy the setting without having to chase a list of attractions.

There is a catch: some island beaches can feel touristy. One stop has been criticized for extra fees, including charges for using the bathroom and renting a beach chair. Swimming conditions may also be less appealing there than at the snorkeling sites. You do not have to spend money on extras, so bring patience and treat this stop as a short rest rather than the main reason to book.

The company’s claim that it avoids crowded places should be read as a goal, not a guarantee. Island traffic and weather change by the day. You may get a quiet beach, or you may share it with other boats. A good guide can sometimes move the group to a calmer beach when another group is being loud, but the route cannot control every visitor on the water.

Buom Island: the second snorkeling session

Buom Island is the second main snorkeling stop, and for many people it is the highlight. The water here can offer attractive coral and a good number of fish, with some swimmers finding this spot more interesting than the first.

The second session is valuable because you have already learned how the mask works and how to move comfortably in the water. You can spend less time adjusting and more time looking below the surface. Guides may point you toward coral areas and help you stay together.

Do not expect a professional reef expedition. Conditions, visibility, currents, and marine life vary. The supplied information describes clear water, coral, and fish, but no operator can promise perfect visibility on every date. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, allow the weather policy to work in your favor and avoid forcing the trip on a rough-water day.

Families can manage this stop if children are comfortable in the sea and properly supervised. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and anyone who is uneasy in open water should tell the guide early. The small group makes it easier for the guide to keep an eye on different swimming abilities.

Fingernail Island: fruit, drinks, and a short final beach stop

Fingernail Island is used as a final island pause before lunch. The plan includes fresh fruit or a sandwich, plus a beer or soft drink, followed by time to sit on the beach and sunbathe.

This stop is more about slowing down than discovering another major reef. Watermelon and other fruit have been a welcome touch during the day, especially after two sessions in the sun. It is also a good time to drink water and change into dry clothing if you prefer.

Some people find the last beach stop longer than necessary, especially if the swimming is not as good as at Buom. If you are happiest in the water, you may wish this time were added to snorkeling. If you prefer a break, it gives you an easy finish to the island portion of the day.

The four-island label can also be slightly flexible in practice. The route includes Kim Quy, a May Rut or Gham Ghi beach stop, Buom, and Fingernail Island, but the precise order and beach choice depend on the weather and conditions. Think of it as a southern-island route with four named stops, not a rigid timetable.

Mainland seafood BBQ: why lunch is not served on an islet

Around 2 p.m., the boat returns to the mainland for a seafood BBQ at a restaurant. This is a smart choice for anyone who values a more reliable meal. The operator avoids using small island restaurants because of food hygiene concerns, and the mainland setting gives the crew a better place to serve a full lunch.

The meal is described as fresh, plentiful, and tasty, with Vietnamese dishes and seafood. Several people have particularly enjoyed the restaurant food, and it is often considered one of the best parts of the day. You should expect a group meal rather than a private dining experience, but the restaurant finish feels more substantial than a basic sandwich on the boat.

Lunch also helps explain the price. You are not only paying for a boat ride and a mask. The package includes the land transfer, guide, equipment, drinks, fruit, entrance costs, and a cooked meal. That adds practical value for anyone trying to keep the day simple.

If food is a major concern, tell the operator about dietary needs before booking. The supplied details do not specify vegetarian, allergy, or other special-meal arrangements, so do not assume they are included.

Guides, group size, and the feel of the day

The guide can shape the entire outing. Windy is known for being warm, funny, organized, and attentive, with a knack for taking family photos and videos. Ben has also been praised for his humor and professional approach, while Hugo has been noted for looking after everyone’s needs.

Guide quality is especially important on a snorkeling trip. You want clear instructions, help with equipment, and someone who notices when a swimmer needs assistance. English and Vietnamese are available, though the level of English communication can vary by guide.

Group size is another major advantage. Some departures have had only about 13 people, a comfortable number for a speedboat and a big improvement over larger boats carrying 35 to 40. A small group does not guarantee solitude, since other companies may use the same islands, but it cuts down on the waiting and crowding inside your own boat.

The day is suitable for couples, families, and first-time snorkelers. One family with a nine-year-old found the pace manageable, and another family with a ten-year-old enjoyed the snorkeling and lunch. You should still judge your child’s comfort with open water and speedboat travel for yourself.

Weather, sea conditions, and what to pack

This trip needs good weather. If sea conditions are poor, the departure may be moved to another date or canceled with a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

That policy matters in Phu Quoc. A sunny hotel morning does not always mean calm water around the islands. The company has also postponed trips when jellyfish were present and when wind made the route unsafe. Waiting can be frustrating, but it is preferable to forcing a bad day at sea.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Comfortable clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Beachwear

Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option allows some flexibility when your plans are still moving.

One wider concern is the amount of rubbish visible in parts of Phu Quoc. The boat route can show you beautiful water and coral, but the island is not uniformly clean. If responsible tourism matters to you, carry your waste back to the boat, avoid single-use plastic where possible, and keep your expectations realistic.

Should you book this four-island tour?

I would book it if you want a practical, snorkeling-first day with hotel pickup, a smaller group, and lunch already arranged. The guides, especially Windy, Ben, and Hugo, add real value, and the mainland BBQ is a better dining setup than a rushed meal on a small islet.

I would skip it if you want an empty beach, a private boat, or a strict guarantee of perfect coral visibility. The islands can be shared with other groups, one beach stop may feel ordinary, and conditions can change the plan.

For $56, this is a good fit for couples, families, and first-time snorkelers who want a well-organized taste of Phu Quoc’s southern islands. Book with the right expectation: you are buying a flexible group outing with two worthwhile snorkeling sessions, not a private reef charter.

FAQ

How long does the Phu Quoc island tour last?

The activity lasts about six hours, with pickup around 8:30 a.m. and return to your hotel around 3 p.m.

Which islands does the speedboat visit?

The route includes Kim Quy, May Rut Ngoai, Buom, and Fingernail Islands. Depending on the weather, May Rut Ngoai may be replaced by Gham Ghi Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fruit, one beer or soft drink, and entrance fees are included.

Where is lunch served?

The seafood BBQ is served at a mainland restaurant after the island stops, rather than at a restaurant on one of the islets.

Is hotel pickup included everywhere on Phu Quoc?

Pickup is included from hotels in the central area, Long Beach area, and southern area. Pickup from Ong Lang, Vinpearl, and Ham Ninh may cost extra.

What happens if the weather is too poor for the tour?

If poor weather makes the activity unsafe, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.